Now, in general, robot vacuums tend to do best with as few obstacles as possible, even with the advanced navigational systems that many machines have these days.

❌ You have an open plan home: The Narwal app won't let you demarcate open plan spaces into 'rooms'.

That's exactly in line with my personal experience – while I can see that my robot vacuum's cleaning power is not as strong as a manual vac, the fact that it allows for regular, basically effort-free vacuuming means it has still had a massive positive impact on my cleaning routine.

Its charging dock is very big, though, giving off a real Wall-E vibe. But despite the size, there’s no spot for an Automóvel-empty dustbin; instead, Narwal’s disposable onboard bin compresses the dust, and Narwal claims you won’t need to empty it for up to 60 days.

Not all robovacs can handle the extra challenge posed by lots of pet hair, but one that really impressed on this front was the Dreame L40 Ultra. This bot was put through its paces in a home filled with furry, four-legged friends, and really rose to the occasion.

It can be converted into a hand vac, which makes it easier to clean stairs and reach higher areas in your home. It also pulls apart for compact storage, allowing it to stand on its Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners own and take up minimal space. In our member surveys, Shark corded vacuums earn a top-level mark for predicted reliability and a near-top-level mark for owner satisfaction.

Below are the best vacuums of each type, according to our test results. For more information and choices, see our vacuum buying guide and complete vacuum ratings.

We test fine dirt pickup by sprinkling a mix of flour and cookie crumbs on the floor, and large debris pickup using oats.

Navigation is excellent and this bot can also be relied upon to identify and avoid obstacles as required, meaning you can leave it to do its own thing without having to worry about it getting stuck or trying to suction up something it shouldn't. On test we also found it was great at hosting itself over tall thresholds.

Even if you have a smart robot vacuum, there is a risk it will end up stuck underneath a piece of furniture.

If mopping capability is needed, consider the MAMNV T7S Combo or Tipdiy G90. Evaluate your space, desired level of automation, and floor types to make the most informed choice for a cleaner, healthier home environment.

When it comes to keeping your home clean, there’s no better way to do it than with an automatic vacuum cleaner. These machines make quick work of dirt, dust and pet hair, leaving your floors looking shiny and new.

Its 5,200Pa suction power is impressive on a bot at this price, and ably sucked up Cheerios and dry oatmeal on hard flooring. It left some of the finer dust and debris, as its single bristle / rubber brush isn’t super effective.

If you have a mix of carpeted rooms and hardwood floors with high-pile rugs, the Dreame is the best robot vacuum for you.